Latest news with #Cessna
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
H55 COMPLETES 104 U.S. LANDINGS IN ARIZONA WITH ITS ALL-ELECTRIC BRISTELL B23 ENERGIC AIRCRAFT
PHOENIX, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- H55, the electric aviation pioneer and technological spin-off of the historic Solar Impulse project, has successfully concluded the Arizona segment of its landmark Across USA Tour: 104 electric landings across the United States. Arizona marked the third of eight states on the national tour and proved to be a pivotal chapter—demonstrating the Bristell B23 Energic's performance in high-temperature, high-traffic environments while strengthening relationships with the region's most innovative flight schools, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and professional pilots. Over five days, H55 conducted demo flights, static displays, and engagements with the State's leading flight schools to fast-track the adoption of electric propulsion. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with instructors, operators and professional pilots praising the Bristell B23 Energic's performance, simplicity, and clear fit for both pilot schools and general aviation. Commenting on Arizona's enthusiasm for zero-emission aviation and the warm welcome received from the local aviation community, Kristen Jurn, H55's North American Sales Manager, shared: "Arizona delivered far more than sunshine—it offered a powerful look into the future of flight training, instructor enthusiasm, and deep community engagement. Crossing our 104th landing here—the city where I earned my instrument and commercial pilot certifications, and the same city where Solar Impulse landed twice, first in 2013 during its Across America mission and again in 2016 on its journey around the world—is symbolic. It reflects the progress we've made, from early possibilities to practical, everyday electric aviation." From the Field: What Arizona's Flight Leaders Are Saying "The simplicity and ease of handling was the most impressive, but it was super intuitive, which is what I liked. The simplicity and quiet would benefit instructors, students, and communities alike. I can't wait to see these take flight, at more airports and hopefully at our school in the future. An average day is 3-4 hours of instruction, the silence would benefit the students, instructors and communities around us." — Kyle Sauvageau, Flight Instructor, Scottsdale Executive Flight Training "It was awesome! It handles just like a standard single-engine aircraft—but the quiet, the smooth transitions, and how clearly you can hear your co-pilot and tower... It truly felt like the next step in flight training. For flight training, just being able to hear and understand your co-pilot, instructor, or student really makes a world of difference. It's a really good trainer airplane." — Mitchell Rasmuson, Flight Instructor, Sierra Charlie Aviation (100th US Landing Pilot) "It was so smooth—I thought it would be harder since I've never flown a stick. But in a training environment, it's actually easier than a Cessna. The airspeeds are similar, so transitioning is simple, and it's so much quieter. As a student pilot, that makes a huge difference. You could actually hear your instructor clearly even without a noise cancelling headset—it really helps you focus without the noise fatigue." — Kailee McGough, Flight Instructor, Leopard Aviation (104th US Landing Pilot) From Experimental to Everyday Flight Arizona holds special significance in H55's journey. On May 22, 2013, Solar Impulse—the world's first electric solar-powered aircraft—departed Phoenix Sky Harbor as part of its pioneering Across America mission. Three years later, the second Solar Impulse aircraft returned to the city during its record-breaking around-the-world flight. A decade on, H55's all-electric Bristell B23 Energic is flying from the same state—not as an experiment, but with a commercial product, proving that clean aviation is no longer visionary: it's viable, operational, and here. "Crossing our 104th US landing in Arizona is more than just a milestone—it's a testament to how far electric aviation has come," said Gregory Blatt, H55 Co-Founder and Across USA Tour Mission Director. "Nine years ago, we left Phoenix on a solar-powered mission around the globe. Today, we're returning with a Part 23 electric airplane, backed by the enthusiasm of instructors, flight schools, and airport leaders. This isn't about showcasing a concept—it's about delivering a solution, and Arizona's support gives us real momentum as we continue the tour." Tour Highlights Include: Airports visited: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) & Scottsdale Airport (SDL) Total Demonstration Flights: 20 Pilots Flown: 17 Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs/CFIIs) & 4 Aviation Operation Owners Flight Schools engaged: 25 Community engagement with Arizona State University (ASU), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU Prescott), Arizona Pilots Association, Women in Aviation International (Valley of the Sun Chapter), Top Aces, Kids in Aviation, and Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association Watch the video of the B23 Energic take-off and land, click here. Follow the Journey: H55's Across USA Tour continues westward! The next stop is Nevada, where the electric aircraft will land at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and be hosted by All In Aviation from June 2-6, 2025. The tour will then head to Palo Alto, California, from June 15–22, 2025. To explore tour dates, locations, what to expect, and how to participate, visit: Also, follow us on social media @ For media inquiries, please contact: Tamar Burton | About H55 H55 is a Swiss-based company founded by the former Solar Impulse management team: André Borschberg, Sebastien Demont, and Gregory Blatt. Dedicated to revolutionizing the aviation industry, H55 provides certified electric propulsion and battery management systems tailored to a diverse range of aircraft, aiming to achieve sustainable air travel. H55 supplies certified electric propulsion systems with full airplane integration solutions for general aviation and regional transport aircraft. Through its pioneering legacy and commitment to certified solutions, H55's team of visionary engineers and aerospace experts are at the forefront of driving the aviation industry setting new standards and pushing the boundaries of electric aviation. Media Contact [email protected] H55 SA Route de l'Aéroport 10 1950 Sion Switzerland
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
H55 COMPLETES 104 U.S. LANDINGS IN ARIZONA WITH ITS ALL-ELECTRIC BRISTELL B23 ENERGIC AIRCRAFT
PHOENIX, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- H55, the electric aviation pioneer and technological spin-off of the historic Solar Impulse project, has successfully concluded the Arizona segment of its landmark Across USA Tour: 104 electric landings across the United States. Arizona marked the third of eight states on the national tour and proved to be a pivotal chapter—demonstrating the Bristell B23 Energic's performance in high-temperature, high-traffic environments while strengthening relationships with the region's most innovative flight schools, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and professional pilots. Over five days, H55 conducted demo flights, static displays, and engagements with the State's leading flight schools to fast-track the adoption of electric propulsion. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with instructors, operators and professional pilots praising the Bristell B23 Energic's performance, simplicity, and clear fit for both pilot schools and general aviation. Commenting on Arizona's enthusiasm for zero-emission aviation and the warm welcome received from the local aviation community, Kristen Jurn, H55's North American Sales Manager, shared: "Arizona delivered far more than sunshine—it offered a powerful look into the future of flight training, instructor enthusiasm, and deep community engagement. Crossing our 104th landing here—the city where I earned my instrument and commercial pilot certifications, and the same city where Solar Impulse landed twice, first in 2013 during its Across America mission and again in 2016 on its journey around the world—is symbolic. It reflects the progress we've made, from early possibilities to practical, everyday electric aviation." From the Field: What Arizona's Flight Leaders Are Saying "The simplicity and ease of handling was the most impressive, but it was super intuitive, which is what I liked. The simplicity and quiet would benefit instructors, students, and communities alike. I can't wait to see these take flight, at more airports and hopefully at our school in the future. An average day is 3-4 hours of instruction, the silence would benefit the students, instructors and communities around us." — Kyle Sauvageau, Flight Instructor, Scottsdale Executive Flight Training "It was awesome! It handles just like a standard single-engine aircraft—but the quiet, the smooth transitions, and how clearly you can hear your co-pilot and tower... It truly felt like the next step in flight training. For flight training, just being able to hear and understand your co-pilot, instructor, or student really makes a world of difference. It's a really good trainer airplane." — Mitchell Rasmuson, Flight Instructor, Sierra Charlie Aviation (100th US Landing Pilot) "It was so smooth—I thought it would be harder since I've never flown a stick. But in a training environment, it's actually easier than a Cessna. The airspeeds are similar, so transitioning is simple, and it's so much quieter. As a student pilot, that makes a huge difference. You could actually hear your instructor clearly even without a noise cancelling headset—it really helps you focus without the noise fatigue." — Kailee McGough, Flight Instructor, Leopard Aviation (104th US Landing Pilot) From Experimental to Everyday Flight Arizona holds special significance in H55's journey. On May 22, 2013, Solar Impulse—the world's first electric solar-powered aircraft—departed Phoenix Sky Harbor as part of its pioneering Across America mission. Three years later, the second Solar Impulse aircraft returned to the city during its record-breaking around-the-world flight. A decade on, H55's all-electric Bristell B23 Energic is flying from the same state—not as an experiment, but with a commercial product, proving that clean aviation is no longer visionary: it's viable, operational, and here. "Crossing our 104th US landing in Arizona is more than just a milestone—it's a testament to how far electric aviation has come," said Gregory Blatt, H55 Co-Founder and Across USA Tour Mission Director. "Nine years ago, we left Phoenix on a solar-powered mission around the globe. Today, we're returning with a Part 23 electric airplane, backed by the enthusiasm of instructors, flight schools, and airport leaders. This isn't about showcasing a concept—it's about delivering a solution, and Arizona's support gives us real momentum as we continue the tour." Tour Highlights Include: Airports visited: Mesa Falcon Field (FFZ) & Scottsdale Airport (SDL) Total Demonstration Flights: 20 Pilots Flown: 17 Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs/CFIIs) & 4 Aviation Operation Owners Flight Schools engaged: 25 Community engagement with Arizona State University (ASU), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU Prescott), Arizona Pilots Association, Women in Aviation International (Valley of the Sun Chapter), Top Aces, Kids in Aviation, and Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association Watch the video of the B23 Energic take-off and land, click here. Follow the Journey: H55's Across USA Tour continues westward! The next stop is Nevada, where the electric aircraft will land at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and be hosted by All In Aviation from June 2-6, 2025. The tour will then head to Palo Alto, California, from June 15–22, 2025. To explore tour dates, locations, what to expect, and how to participate, visit: Also, follow us on social media @ For media inquiries, please contact: Tamar Burton | About H55 H55 is a Swiss-based company founded by the former Solar Impulse management team: André Borschberg, Sebastien Demont, and Gregory Blatt. Dedicated to revolutionizing the aviation industry, H55 provides certified electric propulsion and battery management systems tailored to a diverse range of aircraft, aiming to achieve sustainable air travel. H55 supplies certified electric propulsion systems with full airplane integration solutions for general aviation and regional transport aircraft. Through its pioneering legacy and commitment to certified solutions, H55's team of visionary engineers and aerospace experts are at the forefront of driving the aviation industry setting new standards and pushing the boundaries of electric aviation. For more information, visit: or contact press@ Media H55 SARoute de l'Aéroport 101950 SionSwitzerland Photo - - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE H55 View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Temporary fence set up around site of deadly plane crash in San Diego
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A temporary fence has been put up around the site of the deadly plane crash in Murphy Canyon last Thursday, as residents whose homes were unimpacted have begun trickling back to the neighborhood. Over the weekend, crews removed the last bits of debris from the wreckage that killed six people and left eight others injured. The fragments of the Cessna 550 Citation II plane had remained at the crash site on Sample Street for several days as federal investigators processed the scene. Residents who have been able to come back to their homes with the immediate clean-up complete say they are still reeling from the early morning crash. Family whose house was hit by plane shares what they saw 'I have been hugging everyone and just praying over everybody and crying,' Jennifer Alvarez, who lives on Sample Street, told FOX 5/KUSI on Saturday. 'I have moments where I just want to cry a lot.' Details about what led up to the crash of the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport-bound aircraft into the military-housing community remain under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration. The Cessna plummeted into the neighborhood around 3:45 a.m., spilling jet fuel into the street that sparked a number of fires. The flames burned more than a dozen homes and vehicles, creating a scene described by a local fire official as a 'gigantic debris field.' 'Seeing the flames and hearing the popping made me realize this was bad. Then the thought of 'What if flames jump?'' Alvarez recalled. 'Having to get the family out was key.' Preliminary information from NTSB indicates the plane had been flying in low visibility due to thick fog when it struck a power line, detaching a piece of its wing. The damage caused the aircraft to fall from the sky and slam into a home. In the hours before the crash, federal officials say key landing equipment at Montgomery-Gibbs, such as the airport's runway approach lights and weather data system, were disabled by an unrelated power surge. The airport's tower was also closed. The pilot of the Cessna instead checked in with air traffic controllers at the nearby MCAS Miramar for details on conditions and whether it was safe to land at Montgomery-Gibbs. The air space had reported visibility of just a quarter mile with a cloud ceiling of 200 feet. Victim of San Diego plane crash honored by local jiu-jitsu community Audio recordings between the pilot and air traffic controllers show the pilot of the Cessna acknowledged the poor conditions, but said he would 'give it a go,' per investigators. Six people were on board the aircraft when it went down, all of whom are presumed dead by officials. Loved ones and the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office have identified the passengers as local music talent agency Dave Shapiro, former drummer for The Devil Wear's Prada Daniel Williams, photographer Celina Kenyon, jiu-jitsu fighter Dominic Damian, and Sound Talent Agency booking associates, Kendall Fortner and Emma Lynn Huke. 'It's just like an emptiness, you know,' Baret Yoshida, a pupil of Damian, told FOX 5/KUSI of the loss. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Pilot's Message Revealed Before Plane Crash Killed 6 amid Heavy Fog: 'Doesn't Sound Great'
An National Transportation Safety Board official said that the runway lights and weather alert system at San Diego's Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport were out of order when a Cessna plane crashed on May 22 Six people aboard the plane, including music talent agent Dave Shapiro and ex-Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams, were killed The NTSB official said that the plane was not equipped with a flight data recorderInvestigators looking into the Thursday, May 22, small plane crash in a San Diego neighborhood that killed six people on board — including ex-Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams and music talent agent Dave Shapiro — said the airport's runway lights and weather alert system were not working amid heavy fog when the incident occurred, as reported to the Associated Press. At a Friday, May 23, press conference about the crash, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB} senior investigator Dan Baker stated that authorities recovered ADSB (automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast) data, fight track data and air traffic control audio from the accident flight. He said that the pilot of the doomed Cessna 550 did not report any problems to air traffic control and did not declare an emergency. Baker said investigators determined that the automated surface observing system, which provides airport weather conditions to pilots, was inoperative at San Diego's Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport due to an unrelated power surge. He added that air traffic controllers provided the pilot with the weather conditions from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located 4 miles north of the airport. 'The weather at Miramar was briefed as 'wind calm, one-half mile visibility and 200-foot ceiling,' ' he said. Baker also noted that the runway lights at Montgomery Airport were out of service at the time. He also said the plane was not equipped with a flight data recorder and authorities are investigating whether it was equipped with a cockpit voice record. According to the AP, based on an audio conversation between the pilot and an air traffic controller, the Cessna pilot understood the weather conditions were not suitable for landing the aircraft at the airport and also discussed the visibility. The outlet added that it is uncertain whether the pilot had checked the FAA's official notice that the runway lights were out but was aware of Montgomery Airport's inoperable weather system. He could be heard on the audio saying that he'll proceed to land the plane at the airport. 'Doesn't sound great but we'll give it a go,' the pilot could be heard saying to the air traffic controller. The Cessna 550 later crashed near the airport at approximately 3:45 a.m., local time. Hours after the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified that there were six people onboard. The six people killed from the plane were later identified by authorities and media outlets as Shapiro, Williams; Emma L. Huke; Celina Marie Rose Kenyon; Kendall Fortner; and Dominic Damian. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said about 100 people had to be evacuated in the aftermath. At least 10 homes were damaged, NBC affiliate KNSD reported. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Baker said at the press conference that there were no ground fatalities or serious injuries. A preliminary report into the investigation is expected within 30 days from the date of the crash, said Baker, adding that a final report will be issued 12-24 months after the accident. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Murphy Canyon plane crash: Two more victims identified
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office identified two more people who died after a small plane crashed in the Murphy Canyon neighborhood early Thursday morning. Dominic Christopher Damian, 41, and Kendall An Fortner, 24, were announced as the deceased, according to local medical officials. Both were aboard the Cessna aircraft at the time of the crash. On Friday, the county named three other victims who were also on the aircraft: David Shapiro, 42, Emma L. Huke, 25, and Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36. The crash occurred Thursday around 3:45 a.m. near Salmon and Sculpin streets. Read our full coverage of the Murphy Canyon plane crash The county lists the place of death for all five victims in the 10200 block of Sample Street. Since the crash, federal officials have said that six people were believed to be aboard the plane and that all are presumed dead. Rock band The Devil Wears Prada said Daniel Williams, who was the group's drummer for a decade starting in 2005, was also on the plane. On Friday, Tandem Management Company, which works with musicians and lists The Devil Wears Prada among the groups it works with, posted on Facebook saying, 'the music world lost some extraordinary individuals,' and named Shapiro, Huke and Williams, along with Fortner. The crash damaged multiple homes and vehicles along Sample Street, but no one on the ground was killed. Those who were injured mostly suffered from smoke inhalation and exiting windows. FOX 5/KUSI's Sergio Robles contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
